Germantown Redoubt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Germantown Redoubt
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 Location in Tennessee
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| Location | 3085 Honey Tree Drive Germantown, Tennessee United States |
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| Built | June 1863 |
| NRHP reference No. | 91000623 |
| Added to NRHP | June 6, 1991 |
The Germantown Redoubt, often called Fort Germantown, is a special kind of small fort. It was built by Union soldiers during the American Civil War in June 1863. This fort was placed in a very important spot near a bend in the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. This railway was key for moving supplies and troops. The fort is located a few miles east of the old part of Germantown, Tennessee.
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What is the Germantown Redoubt?
A redoubt is a small, usually temporary, fort or defensive position. It's often built with earth and timber to protect soldiers and important areas. The Germantown Redoubt was built by Federal (Union) troops after they took control of Corinth, Mississippi. Corinth was about 90 miles east of Memphis. Taking control of this area and the railroad was very important for the Union army.
Why Was Fort Germantown Built?
The Union army built this fort to protect the valuable Memphis and Charleston Railroad. This railway was a vital link for transporting soldiers, weapons, and supplies. By controlling this railroad, the Union could move troops and resources quickly. It also helped them keep an eye on the surrounding area and prevent attacks from Confederate forces. The fort helped secure their control over the region.
Discovering History: Archaeology at the Fort
From an archaeological point of view, the Germantown Redoubt is very important. It is one of the few forts of its size from the Civil War that is still mostly intact. This means it hasn't been destroyed or built over. Because it's so well-preserved, historians and archaeologists can learn a lot. They can study how these forts were built and designed.
Daily Life at the Fort
Archaeologists have also found many artifacts at the site. These are objects left behind by the soldiers who lived there. These findings give us clues about what daily life was like for the troops stationed at Fort Germantown. They can tell us about their food, tools, clothing, and even their hobbies. It helps us imagine what it was like to be a soldier in 1863.
Fort Germantown Today
Today, the Germantown Redoubt is part of a 5-acre city park in Germantown. It's located right within a suburban neighborhood. The main earthen structure of the fort is still there, looking much like it did during the war. However, the original wooden walls that held the earth in place were destroyed in late 1863. A small piece of an example wall still remains to show how it looked.
Visiting the Park
When you visit the park, you can see several replica cannons. These are copies of the cannons that would have been used at the fort during the Civil War. There are also special signs and markers that explain the history of the fort. The park has a small parking area and a playground for kids. You can still see the Norfolk Southern Railway (which is the old Memphis and Charleston Railroad) from the fort through a clear area. It's a great place to learn about history and enjoy the outdoors.
